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    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

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    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
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    Home/Original/inverse
    See Original
    Inverse View

    It is not the case that The world is as good as possible despite the existence of recalcitrant matter

    ?Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.

    Reasons For

    2 perspectives
    Reason for 1 of 2
    ?
    • 1.The quantity and intensity of gratuitous suffering in sentient creatures exceeds what any optimizing rational principle would permit.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.If reason truly had ultimate dominion over matter, recalcitrant matter would constitute a limit on reason's power, undermining the claim of dominion.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.A world that is 'as good as possible given constraints' is not equivalent to 'as good as possible' without qualification, making the claim equivocate.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reason for 2 of 2
    ?
    • 1.Leibniz's best-possible-world argument was refuted by Voltaire and Kant: the concept collapses if no upper bound on goodness exists.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Gnostic and Neoplatonic traditions themselves held that matter's recalcitrance reflects a metaphysically inferior demiurge, not an optimizing one.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Reason has ultimate dominion over matter
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Reason is a good principle that orders matter
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Matter is recalcitrant but not fully sovereign
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

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    Strongest counterpoint
    Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.